Journey to the West 085: The Pilgrims Face the Golden-Winged Great Peng

The Encounter with the Golden-Winged Great Peng

As Tripitaka and his disciples continued their journey westward, they entered a vast and desolate wilderness, where the skies were often filled with strange and ominous clouds. The land was barren, with few signs of life, and the pilgrims felt a growing sense of unease as they traveled deeper into this forsaken region.

Their fears were soon confirmed when they encountered a powerful and terrifying creature known as the Golden-Winged Great Peng (大鹏金翅雕). This monstrous bird was a legendary being, feared for its immense size and strength. The Great Peng had golden feathers that shimmered in the sunlight, and its wingspan was so vast that it could blot out the sky. Its piercing eyes gleamed with malevolent intelligence, and it was known for its insatiable hunger for power and destruction.

The Great Peng had long dominated the skies over this wilderness, preying on any who dared to enter its domain. The creature’s presence filled the air with a palpable sense of dread, and the pilgrims knew that they had to be cautious if they were to survive this encounter.

The Abduction of Tripitaka

As the pilgrims traveled through the wilderness, the Great Peng spotted them from above and decided to strike. The creature swooped down with incredible speed, its golden wings creating powerful gusts of wind that knocked the pilgrims off their feet.

Before Wukong or the others could react, the Great Peng seized Tripitaka in its massive talons and soared into the sky, carrying him away. The creature’s powerful wings beat against the air, propelling it higher and farther away from the rest of the group.

Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing were left behind, watching helplessly as the Great Peng disappeared into the clouds with Tripitaka. The loss of their master filled them with a sense of urgency and desperation, knowing that they had to rescue him before it was too late.

Wukong’s Desperate Search

Determined to rescue Tripitaka, Wukong immediately took to the skies, using his cloud-somersault ability to chase after the Great Peng. However, the creature was incredibly fast, and its knowledge of the terrain made it difficult for Wukong to catch up.

As Wukong searched for the Great Peng’s lair, he encountered various obstacles, including fierce storms and treacherous mountain passes. Despite these challenges, Wukong pressed on, his determination fueled by his loyalty to Tripitaka and his sense of responsibility as the leader of the group.

Meanwhile, Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing scoured the wilderness on the ground, hoping to find any clues that could lead them to their master. They knew that time was of the essence, as the Great Peng was known for its ruthless nature and might harm Tripitaka if not stopped.

The Great Peng’s Lair

After an exhausting search, Wukong finally located the Great Peng’s lair—a massive nest built high atop a towering mountain. The nest was made of twisted branches and bones, a grim reminder of the creature’s past victims. Wukong could see Tripitaka bound and unconscious in the center of the nest, surrounded by the Great Peng’s golden feathers.

The Great Peng, sensing Wukong’s approach, let out a deafening screech that echoed across the mountains. The creature spread its wings and prepared to defend its lair, its eyes fixed on Wukong with deadly intent.

Wukong, undeterred by the Great Peng’s fearsome appearance, readied his Ruyi Jingu Bang and prepared to battle the monstrous bird. He knew that this would be one of the most challenging fights he had ever faced, but he was determined to rescue Tripitaka and defeat the Great Peng once and for all.

The Fierce Battle

The battle between Wukong and the Great Peng was intense and fierce. The Great Peng used its massive wings to create powerful gusts of wind that nearly knocked Wukong off the mountain. The creature’s sharp talons and beak were deadly weapons, capable of tearing through rock and steel.

Wukong, however, was agile and quick, using his magical staff to block the Great Peng’s attacks and counter with powerful strikes of his own. The two clashed repeatedly, with Wukong using every trick and ability at his disposal to gain the upper hand.

Despite the Great Peng’s overwhelming strength, Wukong’s determination and skill allowed him to hold his ground. He knew that he had to be relentless if he was to defeat the creature and save Tripitaka.

Seeking Divine Assistance

As the battle raged on, Wukong realized that he might not be able to defeat the Great Peng on his own. He decided to seek help from the Bodhisattva Guanyin (观音菩萨), knowing that her divine power could turn the tide in his favor.

Wukong called out to Guanyin, who appeared before him in a radiant beam of light. The Bodhisattva, understanding the gravity of the situation, agreed to assist Wukong in subduing the Great Peng.

Guanyin used her divine power to create a mystical lotus flower, which she cast into the sky. The flower emitted a calming energy that enveloped the Great Peng, causing the creature to falter and lose its aggressive demeanor. The Great Peng, overwhelmed by the divine energy, was unable to continue its attacks.

Wukong seized the opportunity to deliver a final, powerful blow to the Great Peng, forcing the creature to submit. The Great Peng, realizing that it had been defeated, let out a final screech before collapsing, its energy drained by the battle and Guanyin’s divine intervention.

The Great Peng’s Redemption

With the Great Peng subdued, Guanyin approached the fallen creature and offered it a chance at redemption. She explained that even the most fearsome beings could find peace and purpose through the Dharma, and that the Great Peng could use its strength to protect rather than destroy.

The Great Peng, humbled by its defeat and moved by Guanyin’s compassion, accepted her offer. It vowed to abandon its destructive ways and dedicate itself to protecting the innocent and upholding the principles of the Dharma.

Guanyin then freed Tripitaka from his bonds and returned him to Wukong and the other disciples. Tripitaka, though weakened, was grateful to be reunited with his companions and expressed his deep gratitude to Guanyin for her assistance.

Continuing the Journey

With the Great Peng redeemed and Tripitaka safe, the pilgrims continued their journey westward. They reflected on the encounter and the lessons it had taught them about the nature of power and the importance of compassion and redemption.

The chapter ends with the pilgrims leaving the wilderness behind, their resolve strengthened by their victory. They knew that their journey would continue to be filled with challenges, but they were confident that, with the Dharma as their guide and the support of the divine, they could overcome any obstacle in their path.